Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery was founded by brothers Don and Michael Bartier with a shared ambition to craft exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the Okanagan Valley. Their wines are known for purity, freshness, vibrancy, and intensity, capturing the distinctive attributes of the region where they grow.

In recent years, extreme winter weather created significant challenges for the vineyard. Freeze events in December 2022 and again in January 2024 caused extensive vine damage, ultimately requiring the removal of three acres of vine grape blocks.

To support recovery and renewal, Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery applied for Stream 2: Wine Grape Replant funding through the Enhanced Replant Program (ERP). The project focused on replanting the affected acreage with Semillon and Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc was a new variety for the vineyard, replacing previously planted Syrah. The application was approved in February 2025, enabling the winery to move forward with replanting all three acres.

ERP funding played a key role in helping offset the cost of vine replacement and establishment, reducing financial risk following multiple years of climate-related impacts. By selecting varieties well-suited to current and future growing conditions, the winery is strengthening both vineyard resilience and its ability to meet evolving market demand.

The project highlights ERP’s role in supporting wine grape growers as they rebuild after climate impacts and invest in the future of BC’s wine industry.

Replanting with Semillon and Chenin Blanc positions Bartier Bros. Vineyard and Winery for renewed productivity and diversification, while supporting their commitment to producing high-quality, expressive wines. The project reflects a forward-looking approach to vineyard management, one that balances climate adaptation with premium wine production.

The Enhanced Replant Program is funded by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. In February 2025, Bartier Bros. was approved to receive $4,737 in funding from ERP to replant 3 acres of wine grapes. For a full list of approved ERP projects, visit iafbc.ca/erp/approved-projects/.